finalize

verb

fi·​nal·​ize ˈfī-nə-ˌlīz 

finalized; finalizing

transitive verb

1

: to put in final or finished form

Soon my conclusion will be finalized.

—Dwight D. Eisenhower

2

: to give final approval to

The proposed regulations have not been finalized by the … administration.

—Mike Duncan

finalization

ˌfī-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Usage of Finalize

Finalize was formerly castigated as an unnecessary neologism or as U.S. government jargon, but it is now broadly accepted. It appears to have first gained currency in Australia (where it has been acceptable all along) in the early 1920s. The U.S. Navy picked it up in the late 20s, and from there it came into widespread use. It is a standard formation (see -ize).

Synonyms of finalize

• finish
• complete

Examples of finalize in a Sentence

They are finalizing their divorce this week.

We bought our tickets and finalized our vacation plans.

Recent Examples on the Web

If finalized, people close to Al Nassr’s new owners say being part of a wider consortium would allow the team to cut costs and tap media and marketing partnerships with other RedBird and SMC portfolio companies. — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Although several ideas are under discussion, People reported that no documentary has been finalized or confirmed. — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Miller and Moreno finalized their divorce last year but the two remain locked in a custody battle. — Lara Korte The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026

Both are sounding the alarm about the rush to finalize TDT funding. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

final entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for finalize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

finalize

verb

fi·​nal·​ize ˈfīn-ᵊl-īz 

finalized; finalizing

: to put in final or finished form